Of course she had been. And she needed to fix it. With a deep sigh, she rubbed her palms against the leather of her pants and returned to her bedroom. Her sister waited for her, a piece of paper in one hand.
“This it?” Lera asked, reaching out.
Rina nodded and gave it to her. Opening it, she read the name of a boy she’d only met a few times. One of her mom’s best friends’ son. A neighbor’s son.
“Good choice. Is he good to you?”
Her sister blushed and smiled. Tucking it into her pocket, Lera said, “Wonderful. I’ll burn it tonight because I know we’ll have a fire.”
“Thank you.”
“Let’s go eat. Don’t want to miss Mom’s cooking.”
Hand in hand, they descended the stairs. Everyone else was gathered with one exception. Kori wasn’t there. Her heart dropped faster than a rock in the water. Had he left her? Pasting a smile on her face, she got to the first floor and joined her family at the table.
Kori wandered aimlessly as a wolf around the Panteras. He couldn’t stop Lera’s words from echoing in his head. Stay away from me! Every time he thought of them, fresh pain lanced through him. The moon rose, and he continued to pad through the trees, hoping somehow, somewhere the pain would lessen.
Stopping at a mountain stream, he lowered his head for a drink. The air shifted and brought a familiar scent to him. Immediately, he lifted his head, unsure if he would be embroiled in a fight or not. Across the flowing water, a large white tiger appeared and shifted into a man. Kori followed suit and stood there, ready to take any punishment meted out.
“I think we need to talk,” Dane said, easily clearing the stream to land before him.
“I won’t fight you, Dane. Do what you will to me.”
A wry smile lifted the corners of Dane’s normally stern expression. “I’m not here to fight. I’m here because I think you need to talk.”
He stared at Lera’s father. “Why do you care?”
“I’m not the enemy, son. But, if you want to vent first, then go for it. Get it out of your system. I care because you’re my daughter’s entire world.”
Son. A word he never expected to hear from Dane’s mouth talking about him.
“You know I hurt your daughter. Why are you being nice to me?”
“I know this. You and my daughter are hurting. I don’t know what it’s like to lose a child, much less two, but I know you two need each other.”
“How did you know?”
“Lera told me.”
“Everyone?”
“No. Just me.”
“I should have been able to protect her and our babies.” Kori punched a tree trunk, grateful for the pain. “I couldn’t.”
“You can’t always be there to protect your mate.”
“But I was there. And I still couldn’t.”
“You did protect her. She’s still breathing because you saved her.”
“But not our kids.”
“Hard to protect something you don’t know is there. I know that doesn’t ease the pain of your burden, but stop beating yourself up for something neither of you knew.” A strong hand clamped around Kori’s arm and rotated him. Dane’s gaze was eerie in the moonlight. “My daughter is of the mind you would be better off without her.”
He felt a punch to his gut. “No. I need her.”
“Then, Cormac MacLochlainne, I would suggest you tell her that.”
“She doesn’t want me near her.”
“Doesn’t she? I saw her expression when she saw you weren’t there for dinner. You both are being foolish and stubborn. Neither of you have to go through this pain alone, and yet, you’re both acting like you should be a martyr. You lost twins, yes. You’re both alive and still with this wall between you; the ater malum is winning.”
He frowned. “Winning?”
“Who knows what will happen in your future. And who knows what your children will be like. Can you imagine? The ancient line of Haikon combined with your lineage that is tied with both druids and shifters. There has to be some reason they are trying to kill her. Ater malum don’t send top guards for nobodies. They’re scared, and you two, acting like children, are making it easier for them.”
Kori let that sink in for a moment. He knew in his heart what he had to do. With a grin, he met Dane’s gaze. “So, does this mean I get to call you Dad?”
The tiger raged for a second before Dane lifted one shoulder easily. “You make my daughter happy, you can call me whatever you want.”
“She wants to go home.”
“I know. Go with her.”
“You’d let me stay with you in South Africa?”
Dane laughed, a response which shocked Kori. He was used to the old Dane Sidorov, the pre-Aida one, who was nothing but business. “I won’t kick you out. Besides, I know Aida would love for her to visit.”
“I…I…” he trailed off, not remotely sure how to voice his concern.
“One day at a time, Kori. That’s all we can do. Some days are easier than others, as you well know. But, what it boils down to is at the end of the day, who you have in your arms.”
For him, it was Lera. It always had been.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.” Dane clapped him on the back. “Now, come on. Irinah wanted s'mores so there’s a bonfire and a bunch of people over. Let’s go.”
Kori smiled and sighed. “Sounds like fun.”
“Good. Oh, tell your brother if he hurts Rissa, there won’t be anywhere he can hide from me.”
Kori’s jaw dropped, and he watched Dane smoothly shift into a tiger and spring away. Why am I not surprised he knows? Calling upon his wolf, Kori bounded off after him. They streaked down the mountains toward the house.
At the edge of the tree line, he slowed and reclaimed his human form. Dane did as well before striding from the woods and heading toward the fire. Kori hesitated and took a step when a familiar voice entered his head.
‘Kori?’
‘Yes, mo anam?’
‘Can I talk to you for a minute?’
‘You know you can. Where are you?’
“Right here,” she said in a low tone.
She seemed to step from a tree. The firelight behind her shone off the coppery highlights in her loose hair. He swallowed hard at the lust which merely seeing her brought to him.
He reached out a hand and felt his heart swell when she took it. “Shall we walk?”
Her answer was to begin, and he fell into step beside her.
“I…I’m sorry. For everything.”
“Please stop apologizing, Lera. It’s killing me. This wasn’t your fault.”
“It wasn’t yours either.” She stopped, and he looked at her. Tears glittered in her large eyes.
“Deep down, I know that. But here,” he touched his heart, “I feel like I failed you and our kids.”
She stretched out one hand and touched his cheek, resting her palm against him. “You didn’t. You’ve never failed me, Cormac. Ever.” Her attempt at a smile was small, but there. “I’m so sorry for what I said earlier.”
“No more apologies, Valera. Okay? We move forward.” He kissed her hand. “Together.”
“Okay. Just one more thing.”
“What?”
“I love you, Cormac MacLochlainne.” She stepped closer and brushed their lips along one another.
He growled low and dropped his hands to her waist, holding her immobile. Capturing her mouth in his, he thrust his tongue deep into her waiting warmth. His skin prickled with desire but he forced himself to stay in control. Along their link, he could feel her longing for him, and it only served to make him harder.
Ending the kiss, he murmured against her lips, “I love you, too, Valera Grace. Now, let’s go join the others before I forget we’re in your father’s yard.”
Lera laughed, and just like that, his entire world was brighter. “Yeah, he may not like that.” She took his hand and led the way back to the bonfire. “I woul
d, though,” she whispered, dropping his hand and trailing hers over his butt before stepping away.
He would have gone after her—even knowing he would have to be careful with her physically until her healing was complete—but Dane’s gaze found his and one black brow rose, so Kori tamped down his craving and consented to the fact he would just have to be horny. He had fun, and it warmed him to see Lera having fun as well. He could see the pain still existed and knew there would be difficult days ahead. But they were on the same page and would get through the hard times together.
Epilogue
Eight months later in Ireland
Lera laughed as she watched Adric run from the wolf cubs who had deemed him a wonderful chew toy. He jumped up on a large boulder at the last minute and growled down to the litter.
‘This is not funny, vaj. They insist on trying to remove all my hair.’
‘It is a little funny, Adric. You have to admit. Come on, you, the fierce vaj being treed by five cubs.’
‘I fail to see the humor.’
‘Well, I’m sure their mother appreciates you watching them so she could go running with her vaj.’
He grunted in disdain but jumped back down when the cubs began to cry. Lera covered her mouth so her laughter wouldn’t spill out. She sighed and looked around. She and Kori had found more Haikon; in fact, they were with some now. Scanning the area, she smiled when her gaze landed upon him.
More than just her mate. Her husband. He’d married her in South Africa. She stole a glance at the ring she wore. Silver with Celtic knots and wolves on it. It was perfect.
‘I feel your eyes on me, Lera. Is everything okay?’
‘Fine. I was just watching Adric run from the cubs. We’re of opposite minds. He thinks it’s undignified, and I find it hilarious.’
His rich laughter filled her head. ‘I’m inclined to agree with you.’
‘Don’t let him hear you say that.’
‘Not a chance. I will tell him I’m totally on his side.’
She smiled and turned her attention back to the wolf who seemed perilously close to losing his temper. Two of the cubs had their sharp little baby teeth deep in his tail. With a sigh, she grabbed a large dish and dumped some meat in it then shook it, grabbing their attention. Soon, all five were chowing down, and Adric had once again sought higher ground.
‘Thank you, vaj.’
‘Harmless cubs. I never thought I’d see the day where you met your match.’
He lifted his head and showed her pearly white teeth. Holding up her hands, she backed off.
‘Just callin’ it like I see it.’
Adric readjusted himself so his butt was toward her, and she just laughed harder, unable to keep it in. Moving to his side, she trailed a hand up along his body to his head. Grabbing both sides, she placed a kiss between his ears.
“I love you, Adric.”
‘Love you, too, vaj.’ He swiped at her with his tongue before sighing.
She left him there to slumber while the cubs ate and headed down to where Kori stood talking to a few of the Haikon. When he spotted her, he broke away and met her halfway. After kissing her, he stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on her head.
“What are you thinking?” he asked, his voice still decadent and arousing.
“I’m thinking we should go home.”
“Home?”
“Yes. Home.” They had a house in Savoy near her daddy’s, and they had a home here in Ireland. “Irinah will be coming for a visit soon, as will Rissa. I’d kind of like to rest before they get here.”
“Okay.”
“Plus,” she said, turning in his arms and looping her hands around his neck, “you have some work to do.”
He arched a brow and nibbled along her lower lip. “Work? I like the sound of that.”
“Get your mind out of the gutter. I’m talking actual work.”
The twinkle in his eye didn’t fade in fact it grew. “What work is that, Valera MacLochlainne?”
“Well, Cormac MacLochlainne, you need to set up a nursery.”
He paled. His mouth moved but nothing came out. She waited for him to regain his speech.
“Wha…wha…what?”
“I said, mate, you need to set up a nursery.”
“Yo…you…you’re…”
“Needing a nursery.”
His expression gentled. “You’re pregnant.”
She laid a hand along his face. “We’re pregnant.”
He cupped her face in his hands and lowered his mouth so it brushed hers. “I love you, Lera. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
“I love you too,” she whispered against his lips.
Kori let out a loud yell and lifted her high into his arms, spinning her around. That night, their final night with this clan, they had a huge celebration. Later, when it was just them, he held her close after making love to her. She lay there awake, soothed by the even, deep breaths of her husband and mate.
‘Congratulations, vaj.’
‘Thank you, Adric.’
She turned her head and saw her wolf staring at her, and she smiled before burrowing back into Kori. His arms tightened around her, one hand drifting down to cover her womb and the innocent life growing within her.
Life wasn’t always fair, she knew that given her early start in life. Things didn’t always go the way one wanted. But, there were times when life went perfectly. And this was one of them.
Eyes closing, she slid her hand under the one Kori had on her belly. She’d gone from a child who feared much to a woman who learned to love. The gods may be cruel at times but even they had created a love for Lera. She’d just had to find the courage to accept it.
THE END
Preview of another story
Here’s an excerpt from my upcoming release, Raw Exposure, coming Jul 14. This is the story of Reeve Leighton and Affrica O’Shea.
Copyright © 2014 Aliyah Burke
Dinner passed and was a lot of fun, however, exhaustion had set in by the time they’d finished the after-dinner drinks. The kids had been put down, including the twins, Ethan and Logan, who rested in Brodie’s room with him.
“You know you can stay here, Affrica,” Scott said as he sat back down after retrieving more coffee.
She gave him a grateful smile even as she shook her head. “Thank you but no.”
He appeared so different now than when he’d come to her rescue. The face paint gone, his blue eyes full of love and contentment versus how indifferent and hard they’d been in the desert. Tyson also. These men amazed her, doing what they did. For her. And knowing they did it for the country on a regular basis.
Then there was Reeve Leighton. Dark brown, almost black, hair where his brother was a blond. Cornflower blue eyes for Scott while Reeve had deep chocolate ones. Unbidden her gaze drifted to Reeve. He sat beside her, one hand curved around the glass coffee mug resting on his knee.
“Or our house,” Jayde said, drawing her attention from Reeve.
She licked her lower lip as she stared at her friend. Of all the women who were with the men of SEAL Team Seventeen, she enjoyed Jayde the most. A fellow artist, they would often spend much time discussing shots or paintings. And she truly admired her inner strength.
“I dinna wish to be a bother and you all hae already done so much for me.” She glanced pointedly to the men. “I’ll get a hotel room and take a taxi to the train station.”
“Nonsense,” Reeve said. “I have an extra room at my place. Sleep there and I’ll take you to your train.” Scott and Tyson voiced immediate refusals. Tilting her head, she caught Reeve watching her, a hint of challenge in his eyes and an arched brow. “It makes perfect sense. Y’all have kids and I have no plans come morning. What do you say, sweetcheeks, think you can handle being that close to me all night?”
Sweetcheeks. She ignored the fluttering of her heart and stomach as she held his unwavering gaze.
“I was shot in the arm, not the head to
make me lose common sense. You make a valid point, these men work as do their wives, so I’ll take ya up on yer offer.”
“Affrica,” Tyson said.
“Leave off, Tyson. Affrica can make her own decisions.” Jayde’s calm voice came next.
Everyone stood. Affrica couldn’t miss the glares from Tyson and Scott toward Reeve. Deciding not to mention it, she helped Lex clear the table, hugged the women before their husbands.
“Thank you,” she said. “For not letting me die there.”
Scott pulled her close for a hug. “You never have to thank us.”
Then it was Tyson’s turn. “Are you sure about this?” he asked as his arms banded around her, mindful of the injury.
“Aye. He’s harmless. Not to mention scared o’ ya.”
Harmless. Not even she believed that one.
“Humph.”
She drew back and held hazel eyes before glancing to Scott and back again. “Find him, please.”
Both men grew somber and nodded. She knew they would do everything in their power to locate her brother who’s plane had gone down in Antarctica. Scott stepped away and called to his brother for a private chat. Five minutes later, she walked beside Reeve down to his car and climbed in with a final wave over her shoulder to all.
Bag on her lap, she closed her eyes as he drove, maintaining easy breathing. She had no clue where he lived and honestly right now, was too tired to care. Sleep was essential for she had a job lined up in Oregon before she eventually flew back to Ireland. Granted she could sleep on the train but her body still hadn’t caught up from her jaunt in the desert for her nights were plagued with nightmares.
She stirred and looked around when the car slowed and turned. They drove into a garage and the door lowered behind them. A light overhead illuminated the area fit for two cars. The place was immaculate and a surprise.
“Come on, sweetcheeks,” he said after he climbed out, opened her door, and took her bag.
“Must you call me that?”
“Must? No. But I love the way your eyes sparkle indignantly when I do.” He winked and walked off toward a door she assumed led inside.
A Love For Lera (Haikon) Page 27